Training the Help [Hedon Falls 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) by Michelle Graham

handed it to him. He read through it as she cleared the remaining dishes. When she had finished tidying up, she turned back to find him watching her.
    “The menu looks fine,” he said. “You clearly read through the file Kendra left. If you can stick to that, there shouldn’t be any problems.” He stood and walked toward her. She swallowed as he approached, and felt a strange fluttering in her stomach. He didn’t stop until he was well into her personal space. Sophie desperately longed to move back, but was afraid he might be angry if she did. His eyes held a look she couldn’t place. He held out the paper to her and she took it.
    The next thing he did shocked her. He placed his hands on her waist, lifted her up, and sat her down on the countertop. Before she had a chance to react, he was pushing her legs apart and moving between them. He placed his hands on the counter on either side of her and leaned close. He stopped with his face hovering just a few inches from hers. She was breathing heavily and her pulse raced. She couldn’t focus on his face because he was so close. He shifted so that his mouth came close to her neck, but didn’t touch her. His breath whispered across her skin and she couldn’t help the tiny whimper that escaped her lips. He brought his mouth even closer, and now his breathing was ragged in her ear. Sophie could barely stand it. She found herself tilting her head slightly to give him better access. It was all she could do to keep herself from wrapping her arms and legs around him and closing that last little distance between them. She longed to feel those lips against her and desperately wanted him to kiss her neck, her ear, and then her mouth. The longer he stayed close, the more difficult it was to maintain her self-control.
    “Jack,” she whispered softly. “Please. Let me down.” Her voice trembled. He would be angry at her and she didn’t want him to be. But he was a married man and she was determined to keep him at arm’s length.
    He pulled back a bit so he could meet her eyes. “Do you want me?”
    Sophie let out a shuddering breath. “Yes…I mean, no! You’re married.”
    “Just because I’m married doesn’t mean you can’t want me.” His voice was low and sexy. “I’ll let you down if you admit that you want me.”
    Sophie closed her eyes and tried to take a deep breath, but she was so aroused it was difficult. “I want you,” she whispered.
    He stayed where he was for a moment longer and then eased back. Sophie let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. He lifted her carefully down. After one more smoldering look, he turned and walked out of the room.

Chapter Six
     
    Sophie gripped the counter tightly as she regained her senses. She managed to stagger to her room and sank down on the love seat. What the hell just happened? She didn’t know what Jack was playing at, but she didn’t like it. Well, she did like it, but she didn’t want to. He seemed to know just how to arouse her, but didn’t seem to want to take it further. What he said about her being able to want him, even though he was married, was true. She could want him, but she shouldn’t. It had her very confused and she began to question if she should even stay here.
    What have you got to go back to? A lonely apartment with all your utilities disconnected, no job, and no life . Sophie sighed. If she forgot about Jack’s advances, or whatever they were, and just thought about the job, she knew it was perfect. She’d never get another one like this. She had managed to keep her wits about her tonight. Sort of. She could keep their relationship businesslike. Probably.
    With another sigh, Sophie stood and went for a cold shower before she turned in for the night.
    In the morning, alone in the house again, it was easy for Sophie to forget about the events of the night before. She threw herself into her work. If she could make it through tonight, she would be okay for a few days. Jack had